Molypermalloy powder inductors handle 40 A

Fullerton, Calif. - Responding to demands for higher-current devices compatible with today's powerful microprocessors, BI Technologies Corp. has rolled out a moly-permalloy-powder-based family of surface-mount inductors that are capable of handling up to 40 amps. Designated the HM73 series, the self-shielding inductors are available in 16 standard ratings from 0.1 to 8.2 microhenries.

The higher current ratings enable circuit designers to use fewer inductors to meet the requirements for microprocessor applications, said David Smolik, BI Technologies' director of product development for magnetic components. "Depending on the customer's requirements and the voltage regulation needed, the HM73 series inductors can pack 400 microjoules per cubic centimeter." By contrast, he said, "power choke"-style devices "are only rated to 100 microJ/cm3."

Despite their higher power ratings, the HM73 series inductors sport board-mounted profiles of 3.5 to 5.5 mm with footprints as small as 8.5 x 7.5 mm-compact enough for densely populated circuit boards, Smolik said. "The inductors are expected to find wide application in voltage-regulation circuits on motherboards in desktop and laptop computers, servers and handheld microprocessor-based devices," he added.

The HM73 series is said to offer a unique design based on ultrathin rectangular wires. This feature boosts the conductor density of the coil more than 20 percent above that of round core wires and provides lower dc resistance and higher efficiency, according to Smolik.

The inductors are available in 16 standard ratings ranging from 0.1 to 8.2 microHenry, and from 6 to 40 A. Inductance measures at 100 kHz, 0.1 volt. Dc resistance range is from 0.08 to 15.2 milliohms, and the operating-temperature range is -40 degrees C to 125 degrees C. The low-profile package is compatible with high-speed automatic placement equipment and vapor phase and infrared reflow-soldering methods, the company said.

Typical pricing for the HM73 series inductors is less than $1 each in volume quantity, with lead times of 12 to 14 weeks ARO.